Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many of us have been working from home. While these are unprecedented times in many ways, our work still, to our chagrin, has to be done. With things being uncertain and in many ways overwhelming, we need to find ways to breathe and not be engulfed by the chaos.
While many people use their phones or tablets to play relaxing music while they work or simply to pass the time, sometimes you want to work strictly on your desktop and not have to interact with another device at all. That’s where calming apps on Windows come into play.
We're taking a look at some of the best relaxation apps that you can find on the Microsoft Store.
1. Relaxing Nature Sounds
The sounds of nature can be relaxing and rejuvenating. Hearing the sound of raindrops hitting a glass window or birds chirping as the wind blows can really make a difference in your day.
If these sounds help you put you at ease and help you accomplish your daily tasks, then the Relaxing Nature Sounds app might be the one for you. It’s free, with 10 different sounds to choose from, such as Perfect Storm, Forest Walk, Ocean Waves, and for you, Harry Potter fans, Studying in Hogwarts.
It has three sounds locked by a paywall and an ad-free version that costs a one-time payment of $0.99. Check it out and see if the Relaxing Nature Sounds app can make a difference in your day.
Download: Relaxing Nature Sounds (Free, in-app purchases available)
2. Relaxing Water Sounds
If you identify with the Water Tribe from Avatar or find solace in the waves, then the Relaxing Water Sounds app might be worth your time.
While the Relaxing Nature Sounds app deals with sounds from different seasons and different aspects of nature, such as storms or forests, the Relaxing Water Sounds app offers water-related sounds only. It ranges from the sound of Rain to the sounds of a Stream to a Zen Garden and more.
Water is undoubtedly one of the most relaxing elements, so the Relaxing Water Sounds app is definitely one to try.
Download: Relaxing Water Sounds (Free, in-app purchases available)
3. Relax Meditation
Meditation is a way to calm yourself and return to the present by focusing on a particular thing, such as your breathing. One way to meditate is through a guided meditation which helps to use guided imagery or visualization to relax and focus.
If you’re interested in doing that while at your desk or anywhere you take your computer, then you can benefit from the Relax Meditation app from the Microsoft store.
The app offers free sessions under different categories such as De-Stress Yourself, Improve Your Focus, and more. There are also free breathing exercises and a Sleep Stories section that you can use to play bedtime stories.
There's also a Timer that allows you to set it so that the app closes by itself when time runs out. In addition to all of this, there is a Sounds section that features relaxing sounds such as a Bamboo Flute, Meditation Music, and more.
The app itself has a free version, but some sessions are locked behind a $1.39 paywall. That one-time payment gives you access to all the sounds and sessions available on the Relax Meditation App.
Download: Relax Meditation (Free, in-app purchases available)
4. 9Zen Meditation Music
Keeping with the theme of meditation music, the 9Zen Meditation Music app is similar to the others on this list. It allows you to play relaxing music in the background while you work or play. You can do it whether you’re online or offline.
Unlike the Relax Meditation app, 9Zen Meditation Music focuses strictly on sounds. It features 25 sounds to choose from, with eight being free and the other 17 behind a paywall. You can make a small donation to the development team to unlock all the sounds and removes any ads. There are three donation options, $2.99, $5.99, and $9.99.
The free sounds feature the sounds of the waves named Ocean Rush, the relaxing patter of raindrops named Drizzling Dream, the secrets of a Whispering Fire, and more. The app also has a timer that you can use for your break time, and it has a night mode where it turns the window dark showing only the time to help you calm your senses.
It's simple and helps to calm you down while you work or take a break.
Download: 9Zen Meditation Music (Free, in-app purchases available)
5. Adult Coloring Book With Multiple Templates & Colors
Coloring is often thought of as a child's activity, but there are benefits to doing it as an adult too. The simple act of coloring can allow you to relax and focus on a simple yet rewarding task, the reward being a pretty picture, of course.
It can serve as an act of mindfulness as you focus on one thing and let everything else around you flow away. If you cannot buy a physical adult coloring book, the Adult Coloring Book With Multiple Templates & Colors might be just what you need.
It features loads of pictures in different categories such as Floral, Cats, Mandalas, and more. You can also import your own images (PNG files only) and color them too. When you're done coloring, you can save and share your images.
The act is simple, rewarding, and a great way to unwind after a long day.
Download: Adult Coloring Book With Multiple Templates & Colors (Free, in-app purchases available)
The Best Windows Apps for Relaxation
There are many things to stress about in our world today, but that does not mean you have to let them stress you out.
Mental health is important for productivity and your overall well-being. So, do what you can to de-stress and make the most of your days. We hope these Windows apps will help you stay calm and relaxed during the days.